How Poor Attendance Can Affect Examination Results

Research shows that attending school regularly makes a significant difference to how well children perform in their exams. Below is a summary of the key findings from current studies:

Children with high attendance get better exam results

A major government study (March 2025) found that children who attend school regularly achieve higher grades at every stage of education.

Missing just a few days can make a big difference at GCSE

• Year 11 students with 95%+ attendance (missing fewer than 10 days a year) were almost twice as likely to get a Grade 5 in English and Maths compared to students attending 90–95%.

• Missing just 10 days in Year 11 halved the odds of getting a Grade 5 in English and Maths.

These are small amounts of time that add up quickly — which is why consistency matters.

Further Reading - 95%+ attendance almost doubles odds of GCSE pass and Why school attendance matters

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Why Does Attendance Affect Results So Much?

1. Children miss important teaching

Lessons often build on each other. Missing even a few can mean a child feels “behind” or confused.

2. Learning routines are interrupted

Children make the best progress when learning is consistent. Breaking the routine can knock confidence.

3. Extra pressure builds up

Children who fall behind may feel:

• stressed
• anxious
• overwhelmed
  which can affect their future learning.

4. Children miss time with teachers and friends

Good relationships make children feel secure and confident. Poor attendance can break those connections.

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Long-Term Effects

Research also shows that poor attendance can affect future opportunities:

• Students who are persistently absent in secondary school could earn around £10,000 less by age 28 compared with pupils who attend regularly.

• Each additional day missed between Years 7–11 is linked to around £750 lower lifetime earnings.

This is why building strong attendance habits now is so important.